Top 4 Tips for upgrading properties and air conditioning issues

Upgrading and renovating a property can provide some unusual problems for any type of air conditioning. This is particularly the case in older properties, where a range of structural and other issues may affect internal environmental management. If you're thinking of installing any modern air conditioning, even the most basic reverse cycle air conditioner, there are a few issues which aren't obvious and will need to be managed. Air conditioning can't work at its best in a building environment which is already compromised by deterioration. To get the best out of your air conditioning, it's necessary to do a full upgrade of the premises.

Property upgrades, issues and problems

There are a variety of potentially major problems with older buildings in relation to installing air conditioning. The most common problems for developers when upgrading are:
Poorly sealed rooms and windows. The lack of proper seals naturally affects the entire building’s climate management and reduces the efficiency of air conditioning.

• Antiquated wiring and fuse boxes. Old wiring is a fundamental safety hazard. It's definitely necessary to remove old electrical fittings when installing modern air conditioning, particularly in the "smart house" types of design, where totally different types of technology can be put at risk by these old types of wiring and electrical boards.

• Floors and ceilings. Many types of flooring, particularly floating (raised) floors, deteriorate over time and become dust traps affecting the internal environment and atmosphere. Ceiling gaps can produce dust and sometimes quite large temperature variations.

• Mould. Mould and mould spores can be prolific in the atmosphere, and are dangerous to buildings as they are to people. Moulds can produce enormous quantities of airborne spores, which can be a serious health hazard to some people, particularly asthmatics.

In terms of air conditioning, each of these issues needs to be systematically addressed.

1. Seals – Best practice is to replace all building seals on the premises. This ensures environmental integrity and will also locate any structural weak spots that may be vulnerable to moisture or other threats.
2. Wiring and fuse boxes – Most electricians will tell you to replace the old wiring and fittings "on principle", with good reason. These old fittings become unstable over time, often suffering from corrosion or buildup of dust. In either case, wiring becomes an instant fire hazard, perfectly capable of destroying the building and damaging equipment. It's simply not worth the risk.
3. Floors and ceilings – Generally speaking the most common repairs simply involve resealing and replacement of damaged areas of these surfaces. The safest approach is to ensure that there are no holes or gaps leading directly outside.
4. Mould – The one and only good thing about mould is that it shows you where the problems are. A thorough building inspection should be carried out prior to conducting any upgrade work.

Installing your air conditioning

After these works have been carried out, installation of air conditioning can now proceed. If you're thinking of installing a ducted air conditioner or the new generation of highly advanced air conditioning units, you'll soon appreciate why the meticulous attention to detail was required. These extremely efficient systems work best in a sealed environment. Your hard work will be worth it.

Things to consider when building a pool

Having made the decision to install a swimming pool in your backyard there are still plenty of things to think about and plenty of steps to take before you can take your first refreshing dip. Before you even contact a pool builder it is a good idea to research a little about design and construction options. You also need to think about how you will maintain your pool. Without the right pool pump and cleaner, your lovely crystal clear oasis will soon be less than appealing. Here are a few of the things you need to consider when planning your backyard pool.

Pool type

There are a number of different types of swimming pool available, each one with its own pros and cons. Above ground pools are cheap and simple to install, but are less aesthetically pleasing than other options. Fibreglass pools are good for complex designs, but are expensive to install and have limitations in terms of size and depth. Concrete pools are another potentially pricey option, but they are hard wearing and offer flexibility in terms of design. Vinyl lined pools are not as long lasting but they are cost effective solution and are very easy to maintain. No one type of pool is better than another. The key is to work out your priorities and match them to the right pool option.

Pool design

With the variety of pool types and materials available these days comes increasing flexibility in terms of design. You may decide that you want to opt for a simple conventional rectangular pool, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However if the shape of your backyard, or your creative vision, dictates something different you will almost certainly be able to find a pool builder to bring your design to life. This is a very important step in the process that will dictate the appearance of your pool, and most likely your entire backyard.

Additional features

Do you want to include any additional features in your pool, such as a water feature or spa. This kind of decision needs to be made at the same time as the overall pool design and it will impact significantly on the type of pool you choose.

Saltwater or traditional chlorine

In recent years saltwater pools have become more popular and they certainly do have some advantages over traditional chlorine pools. Many people find the relative lack of chlorine (saltwater pools are not completely chlorine free) makes for a more pleasant swimming experience that is gentler on the skin. On the other hand maintaining a saltwater pool can be expensive and the salt can cause damage over time to the lining of your pool, as well as cement, masonry and underwater lights.

Pool maintenance

Once your pool is ready for use you will want to keep it in good condition and make sure that the water is clean and clear. Therefore you need to choose the right pool cleaner, cover and pump for your swimming pool. 

Landscaping

Will you be integrating the pool into a wider landscaping project? If you are planning to landscape your backyard, it is a very good idea to put the pool in at the earliest stage, as it is a very disruptive process. You can take the opportunity to incorporate your pool design into a wider design aesthetic, so that it blends in effortlessly with the landscape in your backyard.